Tag: Better Government Association

Mike Stephen talks with: Better Government Association senior investigator Andrew Schroedter about his recent “Fatal Shootings By Chicago Police: Tops Among Biggest U.S. Cities” report; Streetsblog Chicago editor John Greenfield to get “More Deets on the Divvy Funding Situation;” and Six Corners Association interim executive director Kelli Wefenstette about what her organization is doing to revitalize the historic Milwaukee/Irving/Cicero shopping district. This week’s local music is provided by Andrew Wallace Lothian — support his Debut Full-Length Album Indiegogo campaign! OTL host Mike Stephen is noticeably less excited after Divvy announced a rate increase for their bike sharing system. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “connecting Chicago” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen checks in with a Chicagoan who isn’t purchasing anything for a year, discusses bringing together the Near North Side, and analyzes the number of uncontested elections in Cook Co. Joe Basilone– Co-owner of Thrift & Thrive resale shop Could you go a whole year without buying anything? That’s what Joe and his family are attempting in 2013. We check in with him to see how it’s going so far. Abu Ansari – Content manager of connectnearnorth.org Randall Blakey- Facilitator of the Near North Unity Program The Near North neighborhood has gone through many changes over the years. We learn about efforts to bring that community closer together through local social programs and technology. Patrick McCraney– Investigator at the Better Government Association Recently Patrick wrote this article talking about how Cook County voters aren’t facing many candidate choices in elections. He joins us to explain his analysis. OTL #339 local music provided by The Chandeliers…

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “may the Force be with you” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to a Brit who set out to reclaim the fastest L-riding record, learns about the Chicago Jedi, and discusses Mayor Emanuel’s infrastructure trust. Adham Fisher– Transportation enthusiast Last week Adham set out to reclaim the record for riding the entire L system the fastest. We hear from him about his quest and find out if he achieved his goal. Check out his Twitter page. Mike and Adham Fisher in Logan Square Gabe Calderon and Ross Greenberg – The founder and #2 guy, respectively, at the Chicago Jedi You can become a Jedi Knight! We learn about this non-profit group’s devotion to Jedi realism as a way of life. Members of the Chicago Jedi Emily Miller– Policy and government affairs coordinator for the Better Government Association Last week the Chicago City Council passed the infrastructure trust championed by Mayor Emanuel. Emily gives us an analysis of this new funding approach. OTL #291 local music provided by Ornery Little Darlings…

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “mid-week review” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the inefficiencies of some IL townships, previews a fun panel he’ll be a part of tonight, and learns about the possibility of Wal-Mart moving into the Lakeview East neighborhood. Emily Miller– Policy and Government Affairs Coordinator for the Better Government Association The BGA took up the issue of inefficient townships recently as well as attacks on the Freedom of Information Act. Emily joins us with the latest. Brandon Wetherbee– Host of the You, Me, Them, Everybody Podcast Tonight at 8:00 p.m. at Cole’s Bar (2338 N. Milwaukee) Brandon hosts a special YMTE Mid-Week in Review show. OTL host Mike Stephen is one of the panelists so come on out for a discussion of local current events that’s way better than the McLaughlin Group! Maureen Martino— Executive Director of the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce Wal-Mart has proposed moving into the Lakeview East neighborhood (on Broadway and Surf). Maureen gives us her reaction to this proposal. OTL #239 local music provided by Keith Scott…